Chapter 307: I Want to Be the Deputy Station Master

A moment later, Lu Qiao led Sun Chuanzhi inside.

"Station Master Wu!

"I've been wanting to find an opportunity to come sit with you, and I've finally managed to look forward to it."

Sun Chuanzhi stepped forward and said with a hearty laugh.

"With Director Sun able to come, my humble dwelling is truly honored.

"The current Dangtong Bureau and Secret Service Bureau are not the old Central Statistics Bureau or Military Statistics Bureau; we attend meetings in the same hall every day, and everything is shared. As long as you want to come to my place, the doors are always open for you, my younger brother."

Wu Jingzhong shook his hand and said politely.

"Director Sun."

Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou also offered their greetings.

Wu Jingzhong ushered him to the sofa.

He had fruit sliced and tea brewed.

Sun Chuanzhi did not mention the matter of taking the person, instead chatting and laughing as if they were just making small talk.

Once the idle chatter was nearly done, he glanced at his watch and feigned surprise:

"Look at that, it's rare for me to visit you, old brother, and I've forgotten the real business as soon as we started talking.

"It's like this.

"I have a man under me named Xie Ruo, and it is said he had a bit of friction with Li Ya; the person is currently at your station.

"If there was any offense, he should be disciplined or punished as appropriate.

"I just hope you can show some leniency, old brother."

"Is there such a thing?" Wu Jingzhong looked toward Lu Qiao, Yu Zecheng, and Hong Zhiyou.

The three of them looked at each other.

"Haven't heard of it.

"But it's possible; Captain Li has always done things his own way, and this wouldn't be the first time he's arrested someone without authorization."

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng did not speak, so in the end, it was Lu Qiao, anxious to save the man, who spoke up.

"Quick, call Li Ya over and ask him what exactly is going on," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Yes, Station Master."

Lu Qiao received the order and left.

"Younger brother, don't be anxious.

"If he really did arrest him, it's no big deal; we'll just release him.

"You know, we meet at various meetings every day, so I'm not necessarily clear on the matters below."

Wu Jingzhong offered an explanation.

As he spoke, he lowered his voice: "Li Ya is one of Jiang Jianfeng's people.

"My staff is full of all sorts of monsters and demons; it's not easy to manage."

Sun Chuanzhi nodded slightly: "Understood, understood!

"Every family has its own difficult scriptures to recite; I have a foreign Bodhisattva at home that I have to serve, which is even more bitter than your situation, old brother."

Lu Qiao went to the Security Section and, led by Xiao Guohua, arrived at the basement to retrieve the prisoner.

As soon as he entered the interrogation room.

He saw Xie Ruo covered in blood, his head resting on the back of the chair, unsure if he was alive or dead.

"Captain Li, what kind of deep hatred is this, to beat a man like this?"

Lu Qiao stepped forward to look at Xie Ruo and sneered.

"Section Chief Xiao, since when can anyone just walk into the basement?" Li Ya did not look at him directly, but instead asked Xiao Guohua at his side.

"Captain Li.

"The Station Master has ordered the prisoner to be released," Xiao Guohua replied in a businesslike manner.

"Released?

"I haven't finished the interrogation..."

Li Ya frowned.

He had originally planned that if he couldn't get anything out of him today, he would just take Xie Ruo to the mountains in Yixian and dispose of him.

If he were taken away now, wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?

"Not finished?

"What are you trying to interrogate? The Dangtong Bureau has already come to our door."

Lu Qiao rebuked him coldly and walked up to Xie Ruo.

This man was severely injured.

He might die.

He wanted to save him because he feared Xie Ruo wouldn't hold up and would implicate Sheng Xiang.

But now.

Judging by Li Ya's tone, Xie Ruo should have held up and confessed nothing.

Otherwise, with Li Ya's temperament, he would have already sent men to arrest Sheng Xiang.

Lu Qiao couldn't help but hope that Xie Ruo would die after all.

Only a dead man can truly keep a secret.

"Someone, unlock the handcuffs and take him to the hospital for emergency treatment," Xiao Guohua ordered.

Someone immediately unlocked the handcuffs and hoisted Xie Ruo up.

Xie Ruo regained a sliver of consciousness at this moment.

He struggled to open his eyes to look at Li Ya, a pale, worldly smile appearing on his face as he silently mouthed two words:

"White... sugar."

Li Ya snorted and looked away, pretending not to see.

"Captain Li, let's go," Lu Qiao said.

Li Ya put on his coat, stood up, and walked out.

Upon arriving at the Station Master's office.

Wu Jingzhong asked: "Li Ya, did you arrest Director Sun's subordinate?"

"Yes.

"While I was investigating a case of material smuggling, I traced it to this person, so I invited him back to ask a few questions," Li Ya said.

"Captain Li, the man was almost beaten to death; that can't just be 'asking a few questions'," Lu Qiao laughed from the side.

"He wouldn't open his mouth, so I had no choice but to use torture," Li Ya said.

"Hmm.

"Sounds like the old Military Statistics Bureau's methods.

"Captain Li, may I ask if Xie Ruo has confessed?" Sun Chuanzhi stood up and asked.

"No," Li Ya nodded.

"Then there is no evidence?" Sun Chuanzhi asked again.

"Not yet, but if I continue the interrogation, there might be leads," Li Ya said.

"Captain Li.

"If you continue... the man will die in the station, unless you want to force a confession through torture," Lu Qiao laughed.

"Alright.

"Without evidence, it seems this is just a misunderstanding.

"Director Sun.

"I will certainly punish Li Ya for this, and Xie's medical and nutritional expenses will all be covered by my Jinhai Station.

"Younger brother, what do you think?"

Wu Jingzhong cut off the argument between the two and looked at Sun Chuanzhi.

"Good.

"We are all colleagues of the Party and State; if Station Master Wu says it is a misunderstanding, then it is a misunderstanding.

"Many thanks.

"Since the man is released, I won't disturb Station Master Wu any further."

Sun Chuanzhi showed no sign of anger and, after shaking hands with Wu Jingzhong again to express his thanks.

His goal was to save the man.

The man was saved.

Wu Jingzhong did not set up any obstacles, which was the best possible outcome.

As for whether to retaliate or seek revenge, that was a matter for later and could not be lumped in with this.

"Good.

"Safe travels, Director Sun," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"Captain Li.

"Times have changed; the Military Statistics Bureau can no longer arrest and execute people unconditionally. To use the Americans' words, you are not democratic enough."

"Be more careful in the future."

Sun Chuanzhi walked over to Li Ya, patted him on the shoulder, and walked out with his hands behind his back.

"Lu Qiao, see him out." Wu Jingzhong gave a look.

"Yes!" Lu Qiao hurriedly followed him out.

"Zecheng, you and Hong Zhiyou go to the hospital to check on Xie, greet Director Ding, use the best medicine for everything, and you must get him cured to give Section Chief Sun an explanation," Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes."

The two received the order and left.

With no outsiders left, Li Ya frowned and said with dissatisfaction, "Teacher, how did the people from the Dangtong Bureau know I arrested Xie Ruolin?"

"How did they know?

"Do you think just because you threw someone into the basement vault, no one would know?

"There are no walls that don't leak in this world; if you want to keep people from knowing, you must not do it in the first place.

"As for who leaked the news, look at who is the most proactive?"

Wu Jingzhong said in a deep voice.

"Lu Qiao?" Li Ya frowned and said.

"Yes.

"It was my carelessness; I was so focused on Deputy Station Chief Yu that I forgot that Sheng Xiang also has close dealings with him. Who knows what kind of shady business might be going on between Xie and Lu Qiao.

"Back then, the intelligence on Yuan Peilin was also deliberately leaked to the Dangtong Bureau by someone.

"What a pity!"

He was so clever that he reacted instantly.

"A leaf blinds the eye, a hindsight expert!"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him with dissatisfaction.

After taking a sip of tea, he continued:

"You must distinguish between the primary and the secondary.

"The conflict between Yu Zecheng and you is nothing more than a conflict over positions and resources.

"But Lu Qiao is different; the knot you two have tied is a matter of life and death. You must clearly distinguish between the enemy and ourselves, and your focus of work."

Li Ya nodded and said, "Teacher's lesson is correct; I was indeed careless this time."

"If it really doesn't work, once Xie is better, should I interrogate him secretly again?"

He asked, raising his eyebrows, unwilling to give up.

"Do you really think the Dangtong Bureau is someone to be trifled with?

"This Xie Ruolin has been in contact with many people. Do you know why I gave Sun Chuanzhi face and handed the person over so readily?

"He Yingqin's adjutant and Ye Xiufeng have both called me about this.

"Li Ya, this person cannot be touched again.

"If you are determined to smash someone else's rice bowl, they will want your life.

"Just wait.

"I wouldn't be surprised at all if one day you are locked in a dark room by the Dangtong Bureau and tortured."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and said with dissatisfaction.

"I doubt they have the guts." Li Ya said dismissively.

He was a member of the Three People's Principles Youth League.

The Youth League had a branch in Jinhai and was under the direct jurisdiction of the Second Office of Jianfeng.

If Sun Chuanzhi dared to move against him, that would be courting death.

"Enough.

"Regarding the investigation, let's stop here," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Teacher.

"Isn't it too early to stop the investigation now?

"Wang Cuiping is highly likely to be a Mobile Corps Commander.

"Yu Zecheng is E... Deep Sea.

"I have already sent people to Yixian to the villages of Weitou and Heigou to look for clues, as well as to those who attended Chen Qiuping's memorial service in Wangfanling Village at the time.

"When Hu Zongnan attacked Yancheng, he captured a large number of civilians and used them as officers, imprisoning them in a prison in Xi'an, among whom were people from Wangfanling Village.

"There are people over there conducting secret screening.

"Once we can find Gu Youniu, or someone who knows Chen Qiuping.

"Wang Cuiping's identity will naturally be exposed without a fight.

"Not to mention anything else, at least we can bring the person in for interrogation."

Li Ya blew at the bangs on his forehead that had been messed up by whipping during the interrogation, and said, unwilling to give up.

"This is a good direction.

"But there are some things I must make clear first.

"Right now is a time when people are needed for the war effort; the university student union, the investigation of the underground party, etc., all require manpower. You always occupying resources to conduct internal investigations is putting the cart before the horse.

"Just this once; if there is no further direction, the investigation into Yu Zecheng must be put aside."

Wu Jingzhong's face darkened, and he said in a stern tone.

"Yes." Li Ya nodded.

"Your top priority is to perform meritorious service.

"If you don't move, Lu Qiao will.

"We can't see what's happening with the Inspection Team; do you know what they have been doing behind our backs?

"When the time comes to publish the awards in the newspaper, it will be too late for you to regret it.

"I see that Zecheng has no intention of being this deputy station chief anymore. After all, with his lieutenant colonel rank, having you and Lu Qiao, two colonels, makes it somewhat unconvincing.

"Looking at any station, there is no such thing as two colonels doing chores for a lieutenant colonel; the impact is extremely bad, and headquarters has also expressed criticism.

"Therefore, you should consider the matter of your advancement.

"If you don't go for it, Lu Qiao will.

"Don't forget, students are frequently causing trouble now, and he is an expert in this area; who knows when the Generalissimo might think of him.

"In some respects, he has an advantage over you.

"Once Lu Qiao becomes the deputy station chief, he will also hold the Inspection Team in his hands.

"Li Ya, will you still have a good life?"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him again, losing his patience.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu is going to step down?" Li Ya's eyes lit up instantly.

Why did he want to get rid of Lu Qiao in the first place?

Wasn't it to compete for the position of deputy station chief?

The reason he was so disdainful of Yu Zecheng was based on the perspective of strength within the entire station.

Speaking of roots.

When he was at the Qingpu Special Training Class, he was one of the most outstanding students in the whole school, which Yu Zecheng could never compare to.

Speaking of seniority.

During the war, he had performed meritorious service many times and was promoted to lieutenant colonel early on.

He even had the feat of infiltrating Yancheng.

Speaking of background.

He had Jianfeng, while Yu Zecheng's backer, Boss Dai, had long since passed away.

Speaking of methods.

It was he who drove Lu Qiao away and helped him sit in the deputy station chief's chair.

Not to mention that he had cracked a spy case and was promoted to colonel; why should he be subordinate to a mere lieutenant colonel?

Therefore, Li Ya was naturally one hundred percent unconvinced.

"Hmm.

"If he doesn't step down, I will make him step down.

"I am naturally inclined toward you for the deputy station chief position. Zheng Jiemin no longer directly manages the Secret Service Bureau; the Second Department is the superior unit, but there is still a Bureau Chief Mao in between.

"As long as you can perform meritorious service, I can recommend you for the position."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Thank you, Teacher.

"Then that's it; if my people cannot find any leads in Xi'an, I will temporarily give up the investigation into the Yu Zecheng case," Li Ya said.

"Hmm, that's right.

"Go get busy."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Yes." Li Ya walked out.

Just as he reached the door, he saw Lu Qiao. He curled his lip and couldn't help but sneer:

"Department Chief Lu is very well-informed."

"Being so anxious about the Dangtong Bureau's affairs, you wouldn't happen to have a guilty conscience, would you?"

Lu Qiao Shan gave a faint smile: "My heart is with the Party and the State; I have a clear conscience."

"Li Ya, don't get too cocky."

"A grasshopper after the frost won't be jumping for many more days."

After saying this, he adjusted his glasses and walked toward the Station Master's office.

"Qiao Shan, sit," said Wu Jingzhong, who was drinking tea to soothe his throat.

Everyone thinks it's good to be a leader.

But being a leader is bitter work, too.

There are endless people to see and endless words to speak every day; it ruins the throat.

"Is something the matter?" he asked with a smile.

"Station Master, you know this Li Ya—he arrests people without reporting it, keeping even you in the dark."

"It's fortunate the person didn't die."

"If he had really been beaten to death and Ye Xiufeng started an investigation, wouldn't that be causing trouble for you, given that he has Jianfeng backing him?"

"This is typical selfishness, with no regard for the group."

Lu Qiao Shan sat down and, as usual, started by reporting a petty grievance.

"Indeed."

"The Dangtong Bureau doesn't even know how they'll retaliate for this yet."

"Just wait and see."

Wu Jingzhong feigned annoyance.

"By the way, Station Master."

"Captain Li previously conducted an internal investigation and occupied many of our Intelligence Division's wiretapping and surveillance devices."

"Now, our Intelligence Division, such a large department, is just for show."

"Captain Li built his own special intelligence team and is handling both sets of work."

"This is somewhat inconsistent with procedure and rules, isn't it?"

"Now that he's no longer in charge of the internal investigation, shouldn't those devices be collected back?"

Lu Qiao Shan asked with a smile.

"Also, you handed the equipment room over to me, but Captain Li still just signs for things without filing a report, and regardless of whether it's allowed, he takes whatever he wants."

"Many pieces of equipment, like tape recorders, disappear without a trace once taken, no different from private property."

"If I were to say anything about this, people would say I'm narrow-minded and targeting him."

"Station Master, you must uphold justice."

He continued to speak with a beaming smile.

"Hmm, Yu Zecheng has also mentioned these problems you're talking about."

"This unhealthy trend must be corrected."

"I will reiterate the rules at tomorrow morning's regular meeting."

"Besides, you are the head of the equipment room; you must set the rules, and no one can be an exception."

Wu Jingzhong nodded, deeply agreeing.

"Thank you, Station Master." Lu Qiao Shan was overjoyed.

"Qiao Shan, you are someone I requested back from Officer Zheng."

"I brought you here to take on major responsibilities."

"Now that you've performed meritorious service in handling the students, even the Chairman has personally commended you; the higher-ups and I have high expectations for you."

Wu Jingzhong set down his teacup, folded his arms, and leaned back on the sofa.

"Station Master, ever since the day the Jinhai Station was established, Qiao Shan has always wanted to share your burdens and worries."

"Look, you've even grown more white hair recently."

"Not to mention anything else, just holding one major meeting every seven days and three minor meetings a day—your body can't take this."

Lu Qiao Shan said with a look of concern and worry.

Then, he leaned his body closer and whispered obsequiously:

"Station Master, I don't know if I should say this or not."

"Speak," said Wu Jingzhong.

"Take Deputy Station Master Yu, for example; he is decent in character and work, but isn't his rank too low? There are two full colonels in the station just staring and listening to his orders."

"That doesn't look right anywhere."

Having said this, he waved his hand and laughed: "Station Master, let's be clear first, I don't have an opinion about Deputy Station Master Yu; I'm just discussing the matter as it stands."

"He is only a lieutenant colonel; he can't hold his own in public, and people won't acknowledge him."

"Just take these meetings, for instance."

"If a special commissioner comes from above and you have a headache or fever and don't want to attend, sending a lowly lieutenant colonel to sit in doesn't carry enough weight."

"People might even complain that our Jinhai Station doesn't know how to handle affairs and report us to the higher-ups."

"Regarding the candidate for Deputy Station Master, would you consider reconsidering?"

After Lu Qiao Shan finished speaking, he looked at Wu Jingzhong with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Qiao Shan, your considerations are reasonable."

"I won't hide it from you, just a moment ago Li Ya also raised this issue with me, suggesting that the position of Deputy Station Master be reconsidered," Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and winked.

"Li Ya!"

Lu Qiao Shan's eyes instantly turned cold.

"That's true, he is also a full colonel and is qualified." He laughed uncomfortably.

Then, he adjusted his sitting posture and asked sideways:

"Station Master, the key now is Zecheng's attitude; how does he see it?"

"I have spoken with Zecheng," said Wu Jingzhong.

"According to headquarters and his own wishes, he is willing to resign from the position of Deputy Station Master."

"The difficulty is that Li Ya is also interested."

"The two of you are like the palm of my hand and the back of my hand; I cannot favor either side."

"You have always been steady in your work, and future parades and demonstrations will be our main focus; Li Ya's experience in this area is slightly inferior to yours."

"Plus, he messed up a few times before and shook hands with Okamura, so his reputation isn't very good."

"Therefore, both Director Mao and I are more inclined toward you."

"Personally, I hope you will seize the opportunity."

Wu Jingzhong smiled.

"Many thanks for your promotion, Station Master. If Qiao Shan can become Deputy Station Master, I will certainly do my utmost to be loyal and share your burdens and worries." Lu Qiao Shan was overjoyed and hurriedly stood up to express his gratitude.

"You and I are of one mind, loyal to the Party and the State, loyal to the Chairman," Wu Jingzhong smiled.

"Yes."

"Loyal to the Party and the State, loyal to the Leader."

Lu Qiao Shan nodded repeatedly.

"Alright then, I will discuss it with Zecheng tonight; if there are no problems, we can hold a meeting to discuss it tomorrow morning."

"The same goes for what I said before: whoever can perform meritorious service will have the opportunity."

Wu Jingzhong emphasized again.

"Understood."

"Station Master, then I will go back to work," Lu Qiao Shan said respectfully.

"Hmm, go ahead," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

He smiled as he watched Lu Qiao Shan leave.

His gaze gradually became cold and sharp.

He has quite a lot of nerve; he's only been here a few days and is already falling back into his old habits, wanting to be Deputy Station Master.

That's fine.

Only people with desires have the motivation to struggle.

This time, I won't report to headquarters; I'll let them fight it out in the nest.

Let's see which one of them, he or Li Ya, can outfight the other.

This position of Deputy Station Master is the best bait; let the two of them bite.

As long as I can hold the fishing rod, whether the fish is caught in the end, isn't that entirely up to me?

Wu Jingzhong walked quickly to the telephone and dialed the number for Ding Defeng at the Army Hospital:

"Hello, it's me."

"Check if Secretary Hong is in the ward."

"Tell him to come back; I have important matters to discuss with him."

(End of chapter)